The vessel that sank in Guimaras
Strait in the Philippines is an ecological time bomb that may cause
long-term and possibly permanent damage to the environment and
livelihoods of people. The rich marine and coastal ecosystems in
this part of the country provide food and livelihood to communities.
Guimaras is also an important tourist destination known for its beaches
and seafood.
Oil spills are a very visible reminder that
throughout its life cycle, oil can damage our air and our water. Oil
causes climate change which in turn triggers extreme weather events.
What is clear is that from oil spills to global warming, the price of
oil is a lot higher than what we pay at the pump. The only way to avert
either of these environmental catastrophes is to reduce our dependence
on oil.
In order to prevent new oil spills regulations need to
force both the shipping industry and the charterers to operate under
the highest standards of ships and crews.
Greenpeace
is an independent, campaigning organisation, which uses non-violent,
creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to
force solutions essential to a green and peaceful future.
